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Setup Guide

How to get your OpenAI API key

The mock exams on Advance Deutsch use OpenAI to power the speaking and writing sections. You'll need your own API key to use them — and it only takes a few minutes to set up.

Why do I need this?

Rather than charging a subscription, the mock exams connect directly to OpenAI using your own key. This means you pay only for what you use — usually just a few cents per exam — and you stay in full control of your own account and usage.

Step-by-step setup

1

Create a free OpenAI account

Go to the OpenAI website and sign up for a free account. You can sign up with your email address or use an existing Google or Microsoft account.

platform.openai.com/signup
2

Go to the API Keys page

Once logged in, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select API keys from the menu — or go directly to the link below.

platform.openai.com/api-keys
3

Create a new secret key

Click the Create new secret key button. Give it a name if you like (e.g. "Advance Deutsch") — this is just for your own reference. Then click Create secret key.

Important: Copy your key immediately and save it somewhere safe — a notes app, a password manager, or a document. OpenAI will only show it to you once. If you lose it, you'll need to create a new one.
4

Add billing credits

API usage is not free, but it is very cheap. To get started, you'll need to add a small amount of credit to your OpenAI account. Go to Settings → Billing and add a payment method.

OpenAI Billing page
How much should I add? A $5–$10 top-up is more than enough to get started and will last a long time at typical exam usage rates. You can always add more later.
5

Enter your key in the mock exam

When you open a mock exam on Advance Deutsch, you'll be prompted to enter your API key before the exam begins. Paste the key you copied in step 3 into the field provided. Your key is used only to make requests on your behalf and is never stored by Advance Deutsch.

6

You're ready — start practising

That's it. Once your key is entered, the exam will run normally. You can now take any of the six full-length mock exams on the platform.

Go to Mock Exams

Common questions

Is it safe to use my own API key?

Yes. Your key is entered directly in your browser and is used only to send requests to OpenAI on your behalf. Advance Deutsch does not store, log, or transmit your key to any server. You can also set usage limits inside your OpenAI account for extra peace of mind.

How much will each exam actually cost?

Very little. The AI-powered sections of the exam use a small amount of tokens — typically a few cents per full exam. A $5 credit will cover many dozens of practice sessions.

What if I lose or forget my API key?

Simply go back to platform.openai.com/api-keys, delete the old key, and create a new one. Then enter the new key the next time you open a mock exam.

Do I need to enter my key every time?

This depends on your browser settings. In most cases your key will be remembered in the exam interface for your current session. If you clear your browser data or switch devices, you'll need to enter it again.

I'm getting an error when I enter my key. What should I do?

Make sure you've added billing credits to your OpenAI account (step 4 above) — a key without credits will be rejected. Also double-check there are no spaces before or after the key when you paste it. If the problem continues, try creating a new key.

Ready to start?

Put your preparation into practice

Six full-length mock exams, all four skills, timed and scored — the closest thing to the real exam before exam day.

Take a Mock Exam